Air travel for a 4 month old

[Mum2SweetCs]

Hi All,

Does any one know how I can stop air pressure with DD on an aeroplane? or anythign else I should be aware of taking her on the plane?

Is she too young?

Thanks in advancce!

[TheBear]

It is the change in air pressure that upsets infants as the plane climbs or descends as it can cause a painful pressure build up in the inner ear.

Sucking on something will help to equalise the pressure and avoid any pain.

[Nai]

Breastfeeding is always a good option as you will probably have bubs on your lap and the sucking will relieve the pressure build up.

[Chocaholic]

I took my DS on the plane at 4 months and he loved it (well, he slept the whole trip so I loved it!).

Some tips that worked for me are:
- ask for an aisle seat so you can get up to walk her if needed
- give her a feed during takeoff and landing as this forces her ears to equalise the pressure and should stop the crying. Sucking lollies works for older kids.
- ask for a seat to be left free next to you if they have room so you can put her down if you need to
- only take one bag so put purse etc in nappy bag
- take a couple of bright but small toys to keep her distracted if she stays awake and other kids cry
- be aware that the change table in the toilet is miniscule so only take what you need when you go there
- take a spare shirt/pants as you can guarantee you will get peed on (Murphys Law. This has happened every time I go on a plane with DS but never any other time LOL!)
- take a light blanket/extra clothes for bubs as the plane is usually to cold for them
- oh and a sling is a godsend otherwise your arms may be very sore after the plane trip and I found it made my DS feel more secure in a strange environment

That is all I can think of.

HTH

[~Belinda~]

We too are travelling (1.5hr flight) end of August so this thread has been helpful to us too! Our DD is almost 7 months old. Thanks Courtney, good post

[Erin_25]

You have been given some great answers....and I can second the sling....an absolute must. As bubs is still small enough it will be great & you should be able to have at least a drink or something if bubs is asleep & your hands are free.

Not all bubs act the same, in Charlie's first 12months he flew a total of 10 times due to living remote & didn't cry once taking off or landing. I would also take a few wraps for quick clean up of un expected messes & to keep bubs warm & covered. The planes do get cold. I found Charlie slept through most flights. Also if not long flight pray that a no 2 is left for after you have landed or before taking off....the change tables are not much chop.

[~Kim~]

Exactly what Erin and Courtney said, but if you've got a chucker, try a dummy instead of a feed on take-off/landing.
Nothing worse than being covered in spew the whole flight...

[mrsmac]

I agree with everyone. I have given mine a dummy too which helped.

[Mum2SweetCs]

Thanks for the advice ladies! greatly appreciate it =)